Real Madrid ground out a 3-1 result against relegation-threatened Levante to consolidate their third position in La Liga. They are now 4 points behind second-placed Atletico Madrid and 9 points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona who have a game in hand.
Real Madrid did not have an easy win over Levante as they were made to work hard by the minnows who pushed them till the very end.
We observe each Real Madrid player’s performance during the game and assign them a rating on a scale of 1-10:
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Keylor Navas – 8.5
The former Levante goalkeeper had to be at his best to deny Rossi early on making a smart save to deny Levante the lead. He was tested on regular occasions and more often than not he came up with the answers. A solid performance by the Real Madrid goalkeeper.
Nacho – 6.5
The Real Madrid youth product was drafted into the line-up in place of Marcelo and he had a tough time in the opening stages keeping the Levante attackers in check. Levante combined well around him initially but he soon grew into the game.
Pepe – 8
The Portuguese defender had a surprisingly busy night as Levante threatened regularly. However, Pepe put in an assured performance. The Madrid defender mopped up brilliantly in front of Navas on a few occasions, hacking away danger in a no-nonsense fashion.
Varane – 6
The Levante front two caused endless problems to Varane on the night. Deyverson, in particular, troubled Varane throughout the game and he was partly at fault for Levante's only goal of the game. All in all an average performance by the Frenchman.
Danilo – 7.5
The right-back was firm in defense partnering with Pepe to keep out the danger efficiently most of the times. He was also influential going forward making some fine forward runs and delivering good balls into the area.
Casemiro – 6.5
Casemiro was the midfield anchor for Real Madrid. He made some crisp passes and also showed some desire in his tackles, however, he failed to show the required vision and did not create enough for Los Blancos. He was later replaced by Kovacic
Toni Kroos – 7
Kroos does what he usually does best as he circulated the ball efficiently in the middle of the park for Real Madrid. He maintained possession well for Real Madrid and created one or two openings with his incisive passing. He was found a bit wanting in his defensive duties.
James Rodriguez – 5.5
The Colombian is far from his best as he put in another mediocre performance. Still struggling for fitness, James failed to create anything of note except for a long distance looping effort which went just wide of goal. He was substituted for Isco in the second half.
Lucas Vasquez – 9
The young winger shone from the word go on the right-hand side sending in several teasing crosses towards the box. He won Madrid the penalty which got them up and running in the game.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 9.5
Ronaldo was the difference in the game as he scored one and set up one goal making a crucial contribution in the attacking third for Real Madrid. Ronaldo's assist took him level with Lionel messi for the season.
Borja Mayoral – 8
The young striker who was only making his thrid appearance in La Liga played well for Los Blancos as he looked bright and full of running. He played a crucial role in Real Madrid's second as his shot bounced back from the post hit the Levante goalkeeper and went in. Was replaced by Jese late in the game.
Substitutes
Isco – 9
Came on for James in the last 15 minutes of the game and immediately made a difference. He scored Real Madrid’s crucial third goal and looked bright throughout his short stint on the pitch.
Kovacic – 7
Came on for Casemiro and played a couple of incisive passes in the last few minutes.
Jese – NA
He came on too late to really impact the game
